Flying on Jetstar with kids under two

If you’re flying with a child under two, you might have a few questions. Do they need a passport? Do they need their own seat? Do I have to bring baby food? Well, we’re glad you asked!

Little girl looking on the outside of the airplane.
  • Jetstar
  • November 2018
  • Updated September 2022

We hear you – travelling with infants can be a challenge, even for seasoned travellers. It’s hard to talk them out of a tantrum if they don’t know how to talk yet! But if you get prepared and arm yourself with the right information (and a few distraction techniques), the journey can be a whole lot smoother for you and your tiny travellers.


A baby sitting on his own and holding a toy in a plane seat.

What do I need to know before we go?

To check in like a pro, make sure you’ve got all the information you need about flying on Jetstar with children.

At Jetstar, children under 2 are considered ‘infants’. Infants less than 48 hours old are not able to travel on Jetstar flights, and a Jetstar medical clearance form must be completed for infants aged between 3 and 7 days old.

If you're travelling with an infant on a domestic flight in Australia, New Zealand or Japan you can check in online, on all other Jetstar flights you need to check in at the airport, so allow yourself plenty of time. At the airport, you will need to provide some documentation. This means a birth certificate for domestic flights. For international flights, they’ll need a passport – just like everyone else.


Sleeping baby in a car seat on a plane.

Does my infant need their own seat?

If your infant can sit up on their own, you can buy them their own seat. If they’re too small to sit up, just bring a car seat to fix into their seat. Just let us know that you need to add a car seat to your booking as there are certain requirements around them and we can only allow so many on board.

What can I bring on board?

Baby food and drinks! Our menu doesn’t include baby food, so BYO your little one’s favourite snacks to keep them satisfied. Remember that any food, drink, nappies and clothing you bring on board will count as part of your own carry-on baggage allowance. If your infant has their own seat, they have their own carry-on baggage allowance.

As long as your collapsible pram fits within your allowance and our size and weight rules, you can use it right up to the gate. Just pop it in a protective cover and bring it on board.


Baby on parent's lap wearing a wireless headphone while looking on a iPad.

What can’t I bring on board?

Kids may be small, but boy, do they need some equipment! Strollers, cots, highchairs… that’s why Jetstar lets you check in an extra four items – including a pram or stroller, a portable cot, a highchair, a car seat, baby capsule or booster seat – at no cost, in addition to your checked baggage allowance.

Baby carriers are handy at the airport, but you have to take them off to get through airport security. Once on board, bub will need to be in your lap with their seatbelt fastened when the seatbelt sign is on. If you’re ever unsure of what to bring on board, or how much, just have a look at our handy page on carry-on baggage.

How can I keep them happy?!

If you take a relaxed approach to checking in and passing through security, your kids will too. And don’t forget, Jetstar staff love to see kids travelling and they’ll make sure your children enjoy the whole journey.